able to question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express that someone is capable of asking questions. For example: "The speaker was knowledgeable and able to question the professor about the topics discussed in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Defence lawyers will be able to question protected witnesses.

The Economist

So he is able to question the obvious.

The Guardian - Tech

We must always be able to question those truths".

The Guardian - Books

The US wants to be able to question the wives.

The Guardian

People are able to question each other about strategies, whether they're in marketing, engineering or product.

The New York Times

"In the past you haven't been able to question," he said.

Independent

Nobody inside F1 is seriously able to question how it is run.

The Economist

But Umunna is hoping MPs will be able to question her via video link.

The Guardian

Venediktov asked why investigators were not able to question certain suspects.

The Guardian

But lawmakers insisted that they should be able to question him at will.

The New York Times

"I was able to question why this happens and make up my own mind," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to question" when you want to emphasize the capability or opportunity to inquire or challenge assumptions. For instance, "The new policy ensures that all employees are able to question management decisions."

Common error

Avoid using "able to question" when a passive construction is more appropriate. Instead of saying "The suspect was able to question the evidence", consider "The suspect was allowed to question the evidence."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to question" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or possibility of engaging in questioning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to question" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the capability, right, or opportunity to ask questions. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage extends to Science and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of having the capacity or permission to inquire, avoiding confusion with passive voice constructions. Consider alternatives like "capable of questioning" or "permitted to question" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of questioning

Replaces "able" with its synonym "capable", emphasizing the inherent capacity to ask questions.

in a position to question

Highlights the circumstances or situation that allows someone to ask questions.

permitted to question

Focuses on the explicit permission or authorization to ask questions.

has the right to question

Emphasizes the legal or moral entitlement to ask questions.

empowered to question

Suggests that someone has been given the authority or power to ask questions.

authorized to inquire

Uses a more formal synonym for "question" and emphasizes authorization.

at liberty to ask

Indicates freedom or lack of restriction in asking questions.

entitled to interrogate

Implies a more formal or legal context of questioning.

given leave to inquire

Suggests a formal granting of permission to ask questions.

have license to probe

Indicates permission to investigate deeply through questioning.

FAQs

How can I use "able to question" in a sentence?

You can use "able to question" to indicate someone's capacity or opportunity to inquire. For example, "After the presentation, the audience will be able to question the speaker".

What is a more formal way to say "able to question"?

A more formal alternative to "able to question" is "permitted to question", which implies official authorization.

When is it appropriate to use "able to question"?

"Able to question" is appropriate when emphasizing the capacity or right to ask questions, particularly in situations involving investigation, learning, or accountability.

What's the difference between "able to question" and "allowed to question"?

"Able to question" refers to the inherent capability or opportunity, while "allowed to question" suggests that someone has been granted permission to do so.